Chatham

With a large play structure, standard set of swings, and a small water spray feature, the playground at Brown Park has a lot to offer. The play structure is quite large and features a variety of slides and climbing elements and is designed to challenge older climbers. There are a few standalone elements as well as the standard set of Chicago Park swings (toddler, adaptive, and belt seat.) The water spray feature is a simple four sprayer. There is ample shade and decent seating options near this playground. The play surface is wood chips and the play area is fenced from the street (but not fully enclosed) and opens directly into the park. All in all, this is a standard playground in a Chicago Park in the best sense of the term; it is great.

The playground at Nat King Cole Park is a gem: an interesting set of play elements with a water spray feature with very nice amenities. There are four main play area. The first is a somewhat standard play structure with slides, climbing elements, and monkey bars. The second area is a collection of rope net climbing elements that is less traditional but perhaps more interesting. The third is an area were the soft rubber surface is mounded in places and there are some interesting 'rock climbing tents - somewhat hard to describe but a unique area within Chicago Park playgrounds. The fourth area is a water spray area with some water loops, musical chimes, and (what appear to be) colored concrete balls set in the play area. Again, hard to describe but really interesting and unique. The amenities are also solid. There are benches and a picnic table near the play ground and the main play surface is soft rubber. Large trees provide some shade and the nearby park district building provides access to bathrooms (when open). The play area is fenced from the street (but not fully enclosed) and the play area opens to the rest of the park. All in all, this is a great neighborhood playground; highly recommend. Side note: This playground in Nat King Cole Park is named the "Officer Thomas E. Wortham IV Playground" after the after Chicago Police officer who was president of the Cole Park Advisory Council and was murdered near the park.

The playground at Tuley Park is a solid neighborhood playground with two play structures, the standard Chicago Park swings, and a water spray feature. The larger structure, designed for older children, features long ramps and a few slides and climbing elements. The smaller structure is quite small and definitely meant for younger children. The water spray feature is a solid 'triple shower sprayer' next to the playground. The playground is located just south of the fieldhouse (which should provide access to bathrooms when open) and is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed. There are benches and a drinking fountain in the area and the play surface is soft rubber. There are a few trees nearby but the playground itself is bright and sunny.

On the north side of West Chatham Park, you'll find a delightful playground and water playground. The playground is standard in many ways - a single large play structure with a few standalone elements and swings - but is also really well done. The water playground is a huge area with a variety of different water spray elements. These playgrounds open into the rest of the park and feature benches and picnic tables for seating as well as trees for shade. Both areas are fully enclosed and removed from traffic making them great places to spend some time. Highly recommend.